IOYR - A sense of belonging

It was a hard struggle to gain funding to attend the IYC, and then when I did I was worried that there would not be any places left. After a few tense days with lots of phone calls from London to Norway, I finally realised that the dream had become a reality and I was going to the IYC. As soon as the coach pulled up at Haraldvangen I felt a sense of belonging. At the 'get together' in the evening, it was a wonderful icebreaker exchanging roses with the other participants and getting to meet so many wonderful people from 22 different countries. I should not be biased but one person who I met who will always have a place in my heart is Jacqueline Mäder from Switzerland.

On the Sunday morning it was down to business and the start of IYC 2001. The guest speakers were fascinating to listen to and very interesting. Over the week I have learned so much about other people and have learned about THE POWER IN ME

On Wednesday we had a wonderful day in Oslo and the biggest surprise was the beautiful cruise on a Viking ship. It was so great that throughout the whole week everyone on the congress was so friendly and talkative. I have come away from Norway with so much knowledge and with so many good friends. I just wish that I could travel to all the countries to see everyone. It is going to be a long 3 years until the next IYC.

I would like to congratulate all the old and new members of the board and send a special good luck wish to Dorte Rønsler.

Published in Newsletter no. 7, August 2001

More articles about the IYC 2001: Articles from Newsletter no. 7 - August 2001